The Application of Architectural Research to Practice, 1972

From the point of view of the practising architect he is faced with a proliferation of paper. He needs to know what is available and where the latest information can be found. The office librarian and library are essential tools of a modern public or private practice.

(Mr. Wisdom) Generally it is agreed that there are three main forms of research results: 1. Full research report • 2. Shortened application report 3. Abstract In addition there is the library index card with basic application data.

(Professor Hardy) One of the most irritating features of research is the length of time spent in deliberation by the sponsoring body. We recently completed a two year project well within the time only to (Mr. Doidge) experience that the client took one and a half years to think about it.

As a consumer of undergraduates in postgraduate planning courses it is possible to compare their performance in certain aspects with other graduates. We find their, approach to the study of knowledge is not as well developed as in other disciplines.

(Professor Johnson-Marshall) Material that is selected for use by architects often is related to its accessibility to them rather (Professor Hardy) than its quality.

Amount of information available to architects is so great that the main objective for them is to be aware of the location of it. At BRS index pages of periodicals are circulated to everyone (Mr. Atkinson) and articles of interest can then be examined.

Researchers frequently, in enthusiasm, 'go beyond their brief. The sponsor is then presented with material which is often outside his particular interest and which he is unable to use directly. This can therefore easily be lost and this situation is a cause of frustration to all.

Applied Research at Cambridge was set up as one way of overcoming this. (Dr. Hawkes) The major means of communication between architects are drawings. Research utilising visual media has the advantage of overcoming language barriers. In developing countries drawings may be the major means of communicating new skills. In Ghana artists are used to draw posters describing methods of making blocks and simple carpentry. Architects take these to rural settlements and people are taught how to make their own houses.

(Professor Prakash) (Mr. Larbi) There is a great gulf between text books available in schools in developing countries and new methods of construction being employed. In India, for example; construction is taught using British text books.

(Professor Matthew) We are trying to discourage students using text books and concentrating on experiencing buildings. ' (Professor Prakash) Page sixty-six